Richard E. "Dick" Tracey passed away peacefully at his home in Solvang, California, following a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born and raised in Washington Court House, Ohio. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of the Air Force Academy in 1959. He flew over 125 F-105 missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for providing air cover fire during a successful rescue mission of a downed pilot. His 22-year career as a military officer included posts as an instructor pilot, an acceptance test pilot, and development on the Minuteman missile program. He earned his Master's Degree in Reliability Engineering. Following his retirement as a Lt. Colonel, he was the Corporate Director of Quality Operations at Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles.

Dick spent his later years exploring his many hobbies: singing in his church choir, growing roses, traveling around the world and to all 50 states, RV rallies, model trains, astronomy and adding to his eagle collection. He was dedicated to daily Bible study and an avid reader of everything from religious texts to scientific journals. He challenged everyone he met to do better and become a leader.

He will be interred at his beloved USAFA in Colorado Springs, earning full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please support Veterans at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate .

He was preceded in death recently by his wife of almost 20 years, Marlyss Lee Tracey. He is survived by his first wife, Sandy, children Jeff (Julie), Mark, and Toni (Paul) Callahan, grandchildren Jennifer (Wes) Goodwin, Jeremy (Lisa) Hamilt, Chris Tracey, Caitlyn and Paul Callahan, step-daughter Debbie Grant and many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.